Explore on your own rating

Free shuttles and a short ferry make it simple.

Where ships dock

  • Tender port: tenders to Waitangi Wharf (sometimes Paihia)

Getting to town

Free shuttles run about every 20 minutes to Paihia and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell (about 15 minutes).

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Money & entry

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Entry: U.S. citizens arriving by cruise ship must have an NZeTA before the ship departs for New Zealand, even if staying aboard. It costs NZD 17 (app) or NZD 23 (website), plus the NZD 100 International Visitor Levy. Answer "visiting," not "transit." (Immigration New Zealand, checked Oct 2026.)

Top sights nearby

  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Russell
  • Hole in the Rock (boat tour)

Beaches

  • Paihia beach

Safety & tips

  • The Treaty Grounds are essential NZ history.
  • Check ferry return times.
  • Have your NZeTA.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

Be at the tender wharf 45 minutes before the last tender.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Tours in Bay of Islands Placeholder for tour partner links.

📚 Sources